Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds are living proof that the ‘clueless’ Americans can succeed as owners of a football club. The two have done a remarkable job in bringing a major spotlight to National League club Wrexham FC.
At a time when there is a lot of scepticism around the involvement of American investors in a British football club – just ask Manchester United supporters – McElhenney and Reynolds have acted in exemplary fashion.
The two took over the club in 2020 for around $2.5 million, an acquisition which was approved by the Wrexham Supporters Trust – with the club being a fan-owned one.
They’ve gone on to create major sources of revenue for the team, creating their own NetFlix documentary ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ and Reynolds as well as McElhenney using their comedic reputation for giving them the mainstream spotlight too.
While actors are often accused of faking their emotions because, well they’re actors, McElhenney and Reynolds don’t seem the ones to do that. McElhenney is a reputed actor in Hollywood, having starred in the hit FX show ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ since 2005!
His reaction to seeing Wrexham promoted to League Two became viral on social media, with the 46-year-old sharing a really poignant moment with co-owner and good friend Reynolds.
It also appears that McElhenney has gotten himself really attached to the lower-division football scene in England since taking up the Wrexham owners role.
Soon after Wrexham’s promotion from the National League, McElhenney decided to do some promotion for a team he really respects.
He re-tweeted a tweet from Notts County where they announced the renewal of the club’s season tickets.
The price of Notts County’s season tickets ranges from £300 for adults to £108 for young adults and £48.50 for the under-18 category.
McElhenney wasn’t asked to do this promotion for Notts County, but it’s clear that he’s been so impressed with their performances this season that he urged more supporters to buy the tickets and watch more of their games, tweeting: “This is an absolute bargain. I encourage anyone in the area to do this if you can. @Official_NCFC is one of the most exciting teams in sports.”
The American actor has received widespread praise for helping in his efforts to sell more season tickets for a fellow National League side, even though Wrexham will potentially be playing in a higher division than them next season if Notts County can’t progress through the National League playoffs round.
But this isn’t the first time that McElhenney has shown appreciation for a fellow National League side.
Before Wrexham were officially promoted to League Two, McElhenney voiced his anguish to see Yeovil Town relegated from the National League.
He tweeted: “One thing that was lost in the excitement last night was that @YTFC was relegated. I spoke with their managers, a few players and supporters. They were devastated. This sport can be so heartbreaking. They fought hard to the end. I wish them luck and hope they’re back up soon.”
Not only do these lovely messages show that McElhenney is a loveable person, but that he’s gotten himself so attached to Wrexham and even the league they play in that he’s formed emotions over the lower division teams.
At a point of time when most wealthy American investors aim to buy major Premier League, the fairytale story of Wrexham has shown that recognizable public figures like Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds can also work as working-class heroes to provide joy to those beyond the ‘glam’ of the top-division clubs.